Robotic surgery may sound like something of the future, but it is actually becoming a more common practice for orthopaedic surgeons of today. Both partial and total knee replacements can be done via robotic surgery, but many are unaware of this procedure and its benefits. Learn more about how robotic knee surgery works and see if it might be the right fit for you.
Do I need a knee replacement?
Before we get into how robotic knee surgery works, it’s important to know if you are a candidate for knee replacement surgery. Those with arthritis of the knee, whether it be rheumatoid, traumatic, or osteoarthritis, or other factors like genetics and obesity can have knee pain develop and worsen over time. If you’ve already tried non-invasive treatments like medication, physical therapy, and knee braces, you may still experience pain and degeneration of the knee that could require invasive procedures like surgery. Of course, the only way to know for sure is by seeing an orthopaedic doctor.
How does robotic knee surgery work?
The first thing to know about robotic knee surgery is that it is not performed by a robot. Your orthopaedic surgeon is in control of the surgery, but is using a robotic-arm assistance for increased precision. The robotic arm helps the surgeon to know the exact space it needs to operate in based on pre-operative CT scans of your knee. This prevents surrounding tissue from being damaged accidentally and can result in a more successful outcome.
What are the benefits?
Now that you know more about the surgery, you should also know the range of benefits it provides. Robotic surgery has the potential to cut down recovery times; greater precisions means smaller incisions, which gives your body the ability to heal faster. When you do heal, you may have a more natural-feeling replacement and could be pain-free much quicker. This procedure presents better long-term outcomes because of its improved safety and reduced risk of injury to surrounding tissue.
Who is Dr. Acree?
If you want to learn more about how robotic knee surgery works, you will want to make an appointment with Dr. Acree. He has specialized training for the Stryker Mako robotic-arm assisted knee replacement surgery and is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Acree is happy to answer any questions you might have and determine if you are a good candidate. Schedule an appointment with him today to get started.